Richard Cobb recognised for lifelong commitment to Montrose RNLI
Montrose RNLI is marking the retirement of Richard “Ric” Cobb after 33 years of volunteering service over the last 42 years, recognising a lifetime commitment to saving lives at sea.
Ric joined the station in 1984, when the all-weather lifeboat on station was the Lady MacRobert. From the outset, he served as lifeboat crew and later as second mechanic, playing a key operational role during launches and rescues in all weathers.
Over the years, he served aboard Moonbeam and later the current all-weather lifeboat, Ian Grant Smith, witnessing first-hand the evolution of lifeboat design, technology and operational capability. Ric stepped down from his lifeboat crew role in 2008. After time away from lifeboat crew duties, he returned in 2018 as a launch authority, continuing his commitment to the station in a different but equally vital capacity.
Reflecting on his service, Ric said:
“It’s been a privilege to serve with RNLI Montrose over the last 42 years. I’ve worked alongside some incredible volunteers and seen the lifeboats evolve over time, but the dedication of the people has always remained the same. I’m proud to have played my part in keeping our coastline safe.”
As launch authority, Ric became a calm, steady and trusted voice during some of the station’s most pressured moments. Responsible for authorising lifeboat launches, he assessed information from HM Coastguard, evaluated weather and sea conditions, and ensured the crew and lifeboat were fully prepared for service. The role demands sound judgement, clear communication and the ability to make critical decisions quickly - often in challenging and fast-moving situations.
His extensive experience as crew and second mechanic meant he fully understood the demands placed on volunteers heading to sea. Drawing on decades of operational experience at sea, he balanced urgency with safety, ensuring that risks were properly considered and managed before giving the authorisation to launch. Once the pager sounded, his reassurance and measured approach provided confidence to crews as they prepared to respond.
Derek Smart, Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:
“Ric's 33 years of service is a truly remarkable achievement. His commitment, whether on the lifeboat as crew and Second Mechanic or later as Launch Authority, has helped ensure our station was always ready to answer the call. As Launch Authority, he carried significant responsibility - making key decisions that directly impact crew safety. His calm leadership and wealth of experience have been invaluable, and he has been a well-respected and trusted member of our team. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”
His wife, Lesley, spoke of the impact his volunteering had at home:
“For our family, the RNLI has always been part of life. We’ve been so proud of Richard's dedication over the years, even though it meant missed meals, interrupted plans and many anxious moments when the pager went off. We’re incredibly proud of everything he has achieved.”
As he steps into his well-deserved retirement, his son David and daughters Amy and Erin added:
“Dad has been on the lifeboat for as long as we can remember so we've never known any different. Now grown up with families of our own, we realise the dedication and commitment he has shown over the years. We're hugely proud of Dad's achievements with the RNLI and the impact he's had on so many lives. We've no doubt he'll be a regular visitor to the station, it's always been like his second home”.
While the station will greatly miss his experience and presence, everyone at RNLI Montrose extends heartfelt thanks to Ric for his exceptional service and wishes him and his family a long, happy and well-earned retirement.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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